WWII Pacific Theater Pilot Gear & Uniforms: A Modeling Guide
The Pacific Theater of World War II featured some of the most iconic U.S. aircraft, such as the F4U Corsair, P-47N Thunderbolt, F6F Hellcat, and P-51 Mustang (Iwo Jima operations). Equally important to the accuracy of scale models are the pilot uniforms, gear, and accessories that define each service branch and timeframe. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of pilot clothing and equipment, as well as accurate color references and figure suggestions for modelers.
Pilot Uniforms by Branch
1. U.S. Navy (USN) and Marine Corps (USMC)
Flight suits: Khaki cotton or OD green. Often stained by fuel and sweat in tropical conditions.
Jackets: G‑1 leather jackets (seal brown), often worn open.
Headgear: M‑450 helmet in light tan or brown leather. Some variations had khaki cloth or rubber edges.
Life vest: Yellow Mae West flotation vest (early war), later versions with khaki-green tones.
Footwear: Brown leather flight boots (A‑6 style).
2. U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF)
Flight suits: A‑4 cotton suit (light OD green), or L‑1 type (khaki).
Jackets: A‑2 leather jackets (dark brown), often with squadron patches or pin-up art.
Headgear: B‑4 or A‑11 leather helmets (brown), often with snap goggles (clear or smoke).
Parachutes: Olive or khaki with visible harness.
Boots: Standard issue brown leather with reinforced toe.
Recommended Paint Colors (FS Codes + Modeling Brands)
| Item | FS Code | Tamiya | Mr. Hobby | AK Real Colors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G‑1 Jacket (USN/USMC) | FS 30099 | XF‑10 | H84 | RC041 |
| A‑2 Jacket (USAAF) | FS 30117 | XF‑64 | H37 | RC042 |
| Olive Flight Suit | FS 34087 | XF‑62 | H52 | RC024 |
| Khaki Flight Suit | FS 33531 | XF‑49 | H313 | RC033 |
| Mae West Life Vest (Yellow) | FS 33538 | X‑8 | H329 | RC034 |
| Parachute Harness | FS 34159 | XF‑20 | H312 | RC054 |
| Leather Boots / Holsters | FS 30099 | XF‑10 | H84 | RC041 |
| Goggles (Smoke) | N/A | X‑19 | H90 | RC298 (smoke) |
| Goggles (Clear Green Tint) | N/A | X‑25 | H94 | RC302 |
WWII Pilot Figures (Pacific) – Reference Table
| Brand | Scale | Product Code | Description |
| Aires | 1/32 | 3203 | USAAF Pilot (Seated, Pacific Theater) |
| Aires | 1/48 | 4811 | US Navy Pilot (Standing, carrier deck) |
| Aires | 1/72 | 7205 | USMC Pilot (Kneeling, aircraft check) |
| Aires 3D Series | 1/32 | 3D3201 | 3D Printed Pilot, late-war gear |
| Master Box Ltd. | 1/35 | MB24020 | USAAF Pilot, D-Day era |
| Master Box Ltd. | 1/48 | MB24070 | US Navy Ace Pilot (Dynamic pose) |
| MiniArt | 1/35 | 35064 | US Marine Pilot, tropical uniform |
| MiniArt | 1/72 | 72514 | WWII US Pilot & Crew for light aircraft |
| ICM | 1/48 | 48233 | USAAF Ground Crew + Pilot (1942‑44) |
| Legend Productions | 1/32 | 80316 | US WWII Pilot (Resin, with parachute gear) |
| Verlinden Productions | 1/32 | 0912 | Metal Pilot Figure (High Detail) |
| Aerobonus | 1/48 | AB48192 | US Navy Pilot (Cockpit Ready Resin) |
Research & References
Color standards: Federal Standard FS595c archive
Photos and colorized references from official DoD archives and Pacific veteran memoirs
Final Tips for Modelers
Always cross-reference unit, theater, and year before painting or weathering pilot gear
Use photoetched or aftermarket accessories to enhance realism (goggles, belts, harnesses)
Weather flight suits to reflect heat, oil stains, and salt exposure of the Pacific
Model what you admire. Paint what history wore.
For modeling kits and accessories, visit: eshop.gmodelart.com
Junkers Ju 87“A BAD DAY FOR RUDEL” by Aitor Azkue
Tips for Use
All listed figures are ideal for Pacific Theater builds (P‑47, F6F Hellcat,F4u Corsair, P-40 ,P-51 ,SBD Dauntless, etc.)
Use matching FS paint codes as listed in your main article to paint uniforms, boots, gear, and parachutes accurately